Obituary for Lula Mae Hopkins

Lula Mae Hopkins was born on September 2, 1935, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, to Eli Sims Sr. and Eunice June Sims. She passed away on November 27, 2024, in Zion, Illinois.

Lula graduated from McKeesport Technical School in June 1953. She met Stanley Hopkins, and the two quickly fell in love and married. Together, they were blessed with four children: Stanley Delano, Clifton Lamont, Dana Duvelle, and Rudell Wanda, their only daughter. From a young age, Lula embraced the role of household manager, raising her children with love, passion, and wisdom. She instilled in them a deep respect for God, ensuring they attended Sunday School and church services every week. For Lula, faith came first, followed by the needs of her family and community.

A lifetime member of St. Paul AME Church, Lula was actively involved in many church auxiliaries. She was a member of the Stewardess Board and She served as a member of the Trustee Board, contributing to important decisions and being a trusted leader during difficult times. Lula was also a member of the E.J. Missionary Society, dedicated to fulfilling the needs of missions both locally and globally. As a member of the Nurses Guild, she helped provide support to fellow parishioners, especially during funerals, offering compassion and care to grieving families. Her skills as a nurse extended beyond her church, as she visited other churches to assist wherever needed. Lula was also a proud member of the Silverleaf Club, always committed to the mission of Jesus Christ.

In her McKeesport community, Lula became the President of the Tenant Council, working on projects to improve the Harrison Village neighborhood and advocating for the residents’ needs. She also volunteered to tutor children in an after-school program, nurturing their academic growth.

Lula was a passionate entrepreneur, running her own convenience store where she taught her grandchildren the value of hard work, passing on strong work ethics and demonstrating how dedication leads to success.

As a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, Lula loved hosting meals, caring for her family with affection, and always offering a warm embrace, delicious food, and an abundance of snacks. Her sweet potato pies were a beloved tradition, filling the air with their irresistible scent during holidays and special occasions.

Lula also volunteered five days a week at the Intersection, where she served breakfast, and distributed food, clothing, and other necessities to those in need.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eli Sims Sr. and Eunice June Sims; her sisters, Margaret (Ezell) Gaither, Leola Chapman, Evelyn (Frank) Sayles, Lola Sims, and Beverly Jean Sims; her brother, Eli Sims Jr.; and her sons, Clifton Lamont Hopkins and Dana Duvelle Hopkins.

Lula is survived by her beloved brother, Calvin C. (Violet) Sims; her son, Rev. Stanley D. (Jacquelyn) Hopkins Sr.; her daughter, Evangelist Rudell (Elder James) Mayers of Zion, Illinois; her grandchildren; her great-grandchildren; lifelong friends; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many others who lovingly called her Ms. Lula or Lula Mae.  Lula Mae will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her boundless love, and her deep commitment to family, church, and community.